Bifurcation (noun) – the point or area at which something delves into two branches or parts.
When bifurcation is applied to golf, it suggests the world’s best players and recreational players should use different equipment.
With the golf ball rollback looming for professionals in 2028 and recreational players two years later, the debate about bifurcation is sure to come up again.
The new ball won’t go as far: a loss of distance of 12-15 yards on a
300-yard drive and 5-8 yards on a 200-yard drive (the average distance of a recreational player’s tee shot). The loss of distance will not affect only drives; it will resonate down through every club in your bag except your putter.
Bifurcation was never really discussed as a possible option in the USGA’s Distance Insight Report in 2023.
I don’t know of a single person who wants to hit the ball shorter. Everyone, no matter their handicap, wants to hit it farther! It’s more fun and can contribute to lower scores. A happy golfer plays more! Why should the average male or female recreational golfer be punished?
Bifurcation would mean there would be no changes to the golf ball, thus no loss of distance. You’d continue to play the same ball you’re playing today.
So what are the arguments against bifurcation?
Elite amateurs who want to turn pro might have a difficult time adjusting to the shorter ball. That’s a really small percentage of players.
Using the same equipment as the tour pros is special for many golfers. Is holding on to that concept worth giving up yardage on all your shots?
The average driving distance on the PGA Tour in 2023 was 299.9 yards. Rory McIlroy averages more than 320 yards! The average length of courses on the PGA Tour is 7200 yards. Torrey Pines South Course measured 7,765 yards. There are 17 courses on the Tour this year that surpass 7,400 yards!
The pros are not playing the same game as the recreational player.
I’m not sure how golf ball manufacturers feel about the rollback, but it certainly is counter to any Research & Development Division’s objective. All manufacturers are committed to adhere to the USGA’s Equipment Guidelines. Since the first golf ball came off a production line, the goal has been to improve the ball’s performance, longer and straighter than the prior edition.
As for current flight restrictions, which are intended to represent the swings of golf’s longest hitters, the maximum yardage a ball can travel is 317 yards (with a 3 yard tolerance) hit with a clubhead speed of 120 mph, a launch angle of 10 degrees, and a spin rate of 2520 rpm’s.
As of January 1, 2028, the distance standard of 317 yards (with 3 yard tolerance) will be the same. But the testing conditions will be changed to 125 mph clubhead speed, 11 degree launch angle, and 2220 rpm’s.
The current and future testing conditions do not at all relate to 99.5% of golfers
Before the release of the Distance Insight Report, the USGA had its traditional “listening and comment” period. It was “clear that golfers and the entire game want a unified game with one set of rules.”
If the question of bifurcation vs. predicted loss of distance was presented to “golfers and the entire game” today, I’m not sure the answer would be the same as it was in 2023.
The USGA says the rolled-back golf ball “will have minimal impact to recreational golfers.”
What do you think? Are you in favor of bifurcation?
Would you find hitting the ball shorter less enjoyable?
Please let us know (bgreen49@aol.com). The results will be published in the Fall issue of North Shore Golf.
1. Should equipment for elite players be different than equipment for you and your golf league buddies?
2. Should the golf ball rollback be implemented for pros and amateurs alike?
3. The USGA is wasting time fretting about this issue and should leave things as they are.
Bob Green continues to enjoy his retirement after 41 years as head golf professional at Tedesco Country Club. Tell him what you think at bgreen49@aol.com.
